Quebec Port Authority Unveils Plan for Beauport Terminal

The Quebec Port Authority (QPA) yesterday introduced its plan to build a container terminal at the site of the Beauport 2020 project.

This initiative, part of the Beauport 2020 expansion project, is the culmination of a lengthy process conducted by QPA to identify economic niches with the highest potential for the future port’s development.

After multiple technical and commercial studies, QPA has come to the conclusion that building a container terminal at the Beauport 2020 site is the best way to leverage this space.

In a speech to the Quebec City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, port president and CEO Mario Girard stressed that the Port of Quebec has all the strategic advantages needed to carry out this major project. With its water depth of 15 meters and full intermodality, Quebec City has a distinctive advantage in the St. Lawrence – Great Lakes Trade Corridor.

Mr. Girard pointed out that the opening of the new 15-meter-deep Panama Canal in 2016 and the emergence of next-generation ships requiring deep-water ports is completely changing the landscape of commercial shipping.

This new 15-meter standard makes it harder for the St. Lawrence, as it currently stands, to compete with American ports in the container market, said QPA in their release.

Key aspects of the Beauport container terminal project:

• $400 million investment;
• 610-meter extension of the wharf line;
• Development of 17-hectare area behind the wharf;
• Link-up with existing rail and road networks
• Construction of a retaining dike and a breakwater to safeguard port operations and consolidate the beach;
• Consolidation and expansion of the area of the Beauport Bay beach and enhancement of services offered.

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